Christmas Pageant 16/11/2024

The annual Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant was held on Saturday November 16^th.

Our Club had 5 vehicles nominated to participate-namely, Ian Rick in his 1986 BMW 525, Bruce and Marcia Eldridge in their Mercedes Benz, Jeff and Aileen Martin in their 1970 Holden Premier, Jan Hall in her 1952 Morris Minor and Claude and Liz Minge in their 1952 Mercedes Benz 170 Diesel.

The weather forecast during the week predicted a high of 40 degrees for Saturday, which prompted the Pageant organisers to consider cancelling the event. They made their call on Thursday for the event to go ahead, albeit with the proviso that entrants could withdraw if they wished.

Jan Hall had reservations about her Morris not being able to “stand up” to the hot weather and withdrew from the event. Many of the schools who normally participate also withdrew, due to their hot weather policy relating to young children.

The weather on Saturday did reach 39 degrees and it was mid-afternoon, at 3:00pm when we all assembled around Pine Park, South Terrace and Mary Terrace. The bands that had been booked to march and entertain us with their tunes joined us under the shade of the Pine Park trees. We all appreciated the 1000 bottles of water which were distributed by the Pageant organisers and were generously donated by Murray Bridge Caravan Centre.

The Parade commenced at 4:00pm and followed a route along Bridge Street, turning into Seventh Street, then Mary Terrace and down to Sturt Reserve and the riverfront.

Many thousands of spectators lined the route, most of them seeking shaded viewing points. The heat didn’t deter the children who lined the roads, from running to collect the many hundreds of lollies thrown from the Pageant entrants.

The Parade was slow moving and this caused overheating problems with some vehicles (and some people) but overall, it was a very good day considering the hot and gusty conditions. Unfortunately, the hot weather also caused the riverfront fireworks display to be cancelled on Saturday evening.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Pageant. Without you, Murray Bridge would not have an annual Christmas Parade that brings many thousands of people together. Although it was 39 degrees, we were very impressed by so many spectators calling out and wishing us a “Merry Christmas” as we made our way along the streets of Murray Bridge.